Press

SOUTHBOROUGH, MA – JULY 23, 2002 – Network World, the nation's leading network news publication published its annual You Issue featuring the results of two surveys and exhaustive interviews with Network World readers. This annual issue, a special Signature Series edition, uncovers what Network IT Executives really think about their compensation, jobs and the network industry in general.

The You Issue features results of Network World's annual Salary and "Top Concerns" surveys, important barometers of what's happening within the network profession. Network World's annual Salary survey of Network IT Executives shows compensation increasing by 4.7%, which outpaces pay increases in other industries, but is back to earth after years of stellar growth. The survey also shows that job security is back on the minds of network professionals, who are putting in longer hours and have heavier workloads than in recent years.

This year, the "Top Concerns" survey reveals Technology as the No. 1 general concern among survey respondents, who cited avoiding outages especially from security breaches; managing technology's speedy rate of change; and implementing new systems as their reasons. Also making the list of concerns were rising anxiety over project budgets, disaster recovery and careers.

In addition to the Top Concerns and Salary reports, the You Issue features stories on other aspects of Network IT Executives' jobs, their future and their free time. Highlights are:

— You Work Where?

Profiles of network professionals working in unique and unusual places – Pixar Animation Studios, the creator of "Monsters, Inc.; " CMGI Stadium, the new home of the XXXVI Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots; and NASCAR's Hendrick Motorsports.

— Your Derring-Do

Profiles of network professionals who participate in daredevil activities or hobbies that, they say, teach valuable lessons for the job.

— Spending on Your Network's Future

Advice from IT budget experts on how to invest in new technologies despite the tight budgets typical in this poor economy.

— Grooming Your Successor

IT executives talk about succession planning with tips on how to help companies formalize succession planning.

Additional material can be found online at www.nwfusion.com/you/2002/, including Network World's Salary Calculator that Network IT Executives can use to research their earning potential. The Salary Calculator is available on Network World Fusion at www.nwfusion.com/you/2002/calculator.html.

The You Issue is part of Network World's Signature Series, six innovative issues delving into the most important trends, companies, technologies, challenges and opportunities in the network industry.

About Network World

Network World, Inc., the Leader in Network Knowledge, empowers Network IT Executives through education, information and community. Network World is the leading provider of news, analysis, reviews, events and education on information technology. Network World publishes the leading newsweekly, Network World, hosts the most active online community, Network World Fusion (http://www.nwfusion.com), and produces educational seminars and events worldwide.

About International Data Group

Network World, Inc. is a division of IDG, the world's leading IT media, research and exposition company. IDG publishes more than 300 magazines and newspapers and 4,000 book titles and offers online users the largest network of technology-specific sites around the world through IDG.net (http://www.idg.net), which comprises more than 270 targeted Web sites in 70 countries. IDG is also a leading producer of 168 computer-related expositions worldwide, and provides IT market analysis through 50 offices in 43 countries worldwide. Company information is available at http://www.idg.com